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26 had previously fabricated for the purpose; and told that his name was Elbrahaud. After congratulating him upon his arrival among them, they led him to a chamber, and placed before him their choicest wines, together with a variety of other refreshments, of which they all partook. Universal mirth now prevailed, except in the bosom of Alvar, which heaved for a sight of his beloved Seraphina, and he was deeply impressed with sorrow, notwithstanding the outward joy which he was under the necessity of assuming. From his companions he learned, that Alphonso was hourly expected to assault the castle, that the women a few hours before had quitted the fortress under a strong guard the royal seraglio, and that the prisoners were conveyed to a strong dungeon beneath the court. Alvar having expressed a wish to see the enemies of his faith groaning in captivity, one of the Moors, who was the gaoler, with a smile bade him follow him, led him to the place of their confinement. He unlocked the gate, and the heart of Alvar shuddered as he beheld the pitiable state of those unfortunate Spaniards.

Some were reclining upon heaps of straw; others, silently, and with downcast eyes, paced with heavy step the dungeon's narrow bounds. Pale and dejected, they all seemed to long, amid the loud and terrifying clanking of their chains, for the arm of the executioner, to relieve them from the horrors of their confinement, and the noxious air they were forced to breathe.

At length the hour of rest came, and each sought his repose, leaving Alvar to follow their example, by retiring to the spot assigned for him. He now conceived Seraphina to be lost to him for ever. Busy thought drove away sleep, and he spent several hours in an agitation of mind which bordered